9 Different Types of Sage for Smudging

Smudging is a centuries-old practice that involves burning sacred herbs to cleanse and purify a space, object, or person. Sage is one of the most popular herbs used for smudging, and there are many different types of sage for smudging. Each type of sage has its own unique properties and benefits, making them suitable for different purposes.

Smudging is a specific ceremonial practice from Native American and First Nations traditions, most closely tied to white sage, sweetgrass, and cedar. It involves burning sacred herbs and letting the smoke clear the energy of a space, object, or person, and it carries real spiritual weight for the communities it comes from. Years of overharvesting wild white sage have also made sourcing it responsibly a real concern, so look for sustainably grown or garden-grown sage rather than wildcrafted where you can.

Burning herbs to clear a space isn't unique to one culture. Ancient Egyptians burned incense in temples, European folk traditions used juniper and rosemary smoke, and Indian households still burn dhoop for the same reason. Each of those traditions has its own name and its own meaning, so this post uses "smudging" specifically where it's the right word and sticks to plain terms like "burning" or "herb smoke" everywhere else.

Sage is one of the most popular herbs used for smudging, and there's more than one kind to choose from. Here are nine types of sage, where each comes from, and how it's traditionally used.

Types of Sage

1. White Sage (Salvia apiana)

White Sage is the most common and widely used sage for smudging. It is also known as Bee Sage, Sacred Sage, or California Sage. It is native to Southern California and is known for its strong, pungent scent. White sage smudge has a long history of use in Native American culture for cleansing and clearing spaces. It is the most common form of sage used to make sage smudge sticks.

2. Black Sage (Salvia mellifera)

Black Sage, also known as Mugwort Sage or Dream Sage, is native to the western United States and has a strong, earthy aroma. It is commonly used for divination, lucid dreaming, shamanic journeying, astral travel, and protection. Black Sage smudge is believed to enhance intuition and spiritual awareness and is used to banish negative energy and unwanted spirits.

3. Blue Sage (Salvia azurea)

Blue Sage, also known as Grandmother Sage, New Mexico Sage, or Rocky Mountain Sage, is a sacred plant native to the western United States and has a light, refreshing scent. It is commonly used for spiritual cleansing, healing, enhancing psychic powers, and promoting relaxation. Blue Sage smudge is believed to promote emotional balance and mental clarity and is often used in meditation practices.

4. Desert Sage (Artemisia tridentata)

Desert Sage, also known as Mountain Sage, Desert Magic, or Sagebrush, is native to the western United States and has a strong, spicy aroma. It is considered a rather sacred herb among the indigenous peoples of the Southwestern United States and is commonly used for spiritual cleansing, purifying a space, and promoting grounding and protection. Desert Sage has traditionally been used in medicinal teas and poultices.

5. Pineapple Sage (Salvia elegans)

Pineapple Sage, also known as Tangerine Sage, is native to Mexico and Central America and has a sweet, fruity scent. It is commonly used for spiritual cleansing, promoting positive energy, and enhancing creativity. Pineapple Sage is often used in cooking and has a long history as a medicinal herb.

6. Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

Clary Sage is native to the Mediterranean region of the world and has a sweet, herbal scent. It is commonly used for cleansing a living space, promoting relaxation, introspection, pleasant thoughts, and tranquility, and encouraging creativity. Clary Sage is a popular choice in aromatherapy and skincare products.

7. White Sagebrush (Artemisia ludoviciana)

White Sagebrush, also known as Prairie Sage or Louisiana Sage, is native to North America and has a light, refreshing scent. It is commonly used for creating a sacred space and promoting restful sleep, grounding, and peace of mind. White Sagebrush has traditionally been used in medicinal teas and poultices.

8. Garden Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Garden Sage is native to the Mediterranean and has a strong, herbal scent. It is commonly used for promoting mental clarity and focus and enhancing memory. Garden Sage is a kitchen staple and has a long history as a medicinal herb.

9. Brazilian Sage (Salvia guaranitica)

Brazilian Sage, also known as Aztec Sage or Purple Sage, is native to South America and has a sweet, floral scent. It is commonly used for spiritual rituals, promoting peace and calm, and promoting inner strength. Brazilian Sage is often used in aromatherapy and skincare products.

Using Sage

Every sage on this list smells and burns a little differently, and each has its own traditional use, so the right one for you comes down to what you're actually doing with it. Reach for something calming to wind down at night, something brighter to clear your head before creative work, or just pick whatever smell you like best. There's no single right answer here.

Whichever one you choose, treat it with the same care as any other burning herb: don't burn it in a small closed room, and crack a window when you're done.

To learn more about the process itself, see our guide to burning sage.

A Simple Sage Ritual You Can Try

If you want to bring sage into your own routine, here's a simple way to do it.

• Pick a quiet, well-ventilated space where you won't be interrupted.
• Gather your sage, a fireproof dish to catch ash, and a window or door you can open.
• Light the sage, then blow out the flame so it smolders and smokes rather than burns.
• Move it slowly through the room or around the object you want to clear. There's no fixed order, just take your time.
• Let the embers go out completely in your fireproof dish before setting it down anywhere else.